Do I Need a New Water Heater?

Water heaters might be built to last, but no water heater will last forever. Even if you take perfect care of your water heater, you will eventually need to replace it with a new one. The earlier you can identify that your water heater is getting towards the end of its service life, the earlier you can have it replaced with a new system. Waiting around for the old system to die entirely before replacing it will probably mean more money spent on repairs and more downtime while you are looking for a new system. You don’t want to deal with that if you can avoid it. Have a look at some of the signs that your water heater is getting close to the end of its lifespan, and that it’s time for a new one.

Loss of Heating Ability

Water heaters do not have an infinite heating capacity. If you put enough demand on your water heater, you will eventually get to a point where it cannot provide the level of hot water you want. As a water heater gets older and more worn out, however, it will begin to experience a decline in efficiency. This loss of efficiency will not be noticeable at first, but as the system gets close to the end of its life it will likely start to become difficult to miss. If your water heater is struggling to provide enough hot water for even moderate demand, it might be time to replace it with a new one.

Increase in Breakdown Frequency

Your water heater really shouldn’t be breaking down more than once every few years or so. If your water heater is developing problems that require professional repairs more frequently than that, it might be an indication that it’s time to install a new system. Constant breakdowns are often the result of the wear and tear on the system causing groups of parts to break down at once. If your water heater has aged to the point where this is happening, there is not much you can do for it. The best thing you can do is install a new system, rather than replace large portions of the one you currently have.

Old Age

The average water heater can be expected to last between 10 and 15 years without developing serious chronic issues. Past that age, though, it will often begin to develop an ever-lengthening list of chronic issues. The more problems the water heater develops, the more it will cost to keep the system up and running over the years. If your water heater is older than 15, we highly recommend that you consult with a professional about replacing it with a new one. You’ll save more money in the long run than sticking with the water heater you currently have.